Chakra - Committed to open-minded, inclusive and compassionate Krishna Conscious News, Views and Discussions

Helping ISKCON Manila FFL

by Nam Sankirtana
Posted November 11, 2009

Many years ago in the Brooklyn temple, Tamal Krishna Maharaja and Mahasringa Prabhu were visiting the temple.

Mahasringa asked Tamal Krishna Maharaja, "Nam Sankirtana is from Manila, maybe we can ask him to go there." Tamal Krishna Maharaja looked at him and at me, and shrugged it off, as he knew I would not leave New York.

Three years ago I was fortunate enough to go home, back to Manila, after so many years of not having visited my home country of the Philippines. I was met by really nice devotees, who showed me love and hospitality that I have not seen since the New York 55th Street temple,

The Deities in the Manila Temple, Sri Sri Radha Madhava were gorgeous and the Prasad was awesome. The same temple room that was flooded during the recent disaster was the same temple room I sat down in three years ago. (Click here for the full article)

London Accommodation Wanted

by Narasimha das
Posted November 11, 2009

I am looking for a temporary accommodation for my wife. Starting from November 11 through the end of November possibly more or less time up to mid December. I have to leave UK for Visa reasons, and I do not want to leave her by herself. Anywhere in the Greater London region would be greatly appreciated. She is a simple lady, and a very helpful person with very mild demeanor. Please contact me at (Click here for the full article)

Home for Rent

by Madhuha dasa
Posted November 11, 2009

Prabhupada Village-Sandy Ridge, North Carolina--Residential apartment/home for Rent.

Three bedroom/One and one half bath/ large kitchen/large family room with approximately 1,800 square feet of heated living area. Recently remodeled with lots of ceramic tile and all new kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Additional space available for office or family business etc. Ideal for a family that likes to have a garden, and/or take care of horses, cows etc. Plenty of garden and improved pasture land available. If you would like to live in a rural community, and are inclined to work towards agricultural self sufficiency, this is the place you're looking for. At just $500/monthly, this is a great way to move to a rural area. We also have a home for sale. Sandy Ridge is about 1 hour north-west of Greensboro North Carolina. Please email to (Click here for the full article)

Hunger Strikes May End Illegal Braj Hills Mining

by Radha Kant Shashtri
Posted November 7, 2009

Faced with continued illegal mining and quarrying in India's sacred Braj Hills, Man Mandir devotees have organized an occupation of the area and have issued an ultimatum to the Rajasthan state government to enforce their state laws and court judgments, which have banned all such mining. Devotees will know from the Srimad Bhagavatam that the Braj Hills, spanning the boundaries of modern Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana states, are intrinsic to the spiritual life of all Vaishnavas, having been the earthly location of the epic childhood pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

If the Rajasthan state government does not act decisively within the week to ensure the complete and total security of the Braj Hills, (Click here for the full article)

Reviving Preaching in US

by Kishore Krsna das, ISKCON Florida
Posted November 7, 2009

As we all know, giving Krsna consciousness to others is most pleasing to Srila Prabhupada, Sri Guru and Gauranga and to the previous acaryas. I am an ISKCON devotee in good standing, initiated by H.H. Bhakti Caru Swami. Inspired by Srila Prabhupada's mood and his dedication to preaching activities all over the world, I have been doing college preaching for the last 15 years in the U.S. I have also been involved in some business activity which supports the preaching and myself.

Lately Krsna revealed a very simple concept to bring young college students to Krsna consciousness through cooking classes. After the cooking class we do yoga dance (kirtan) and serve prasadam. Attending class is optional for students. For the last seven weeks we have had 20 to 25 students attending to our program. (Click here for the full article)

The Guru Does Not Make Disciples

by H.H. Ramsukhdas Swami
Posted November 7, 2009

Bhagavan Sri Krishna has said in the Bhagavad-gita: "Neither the hosts of demigods nor the great sages know My origin or opulences, for, in every respect, I am the source of the demigods and sages." (Bg. 10.2). Even Arjuna, on beholding the Lord's Universal Form, praised His glories: "O great one, greater even than Brahma, You are the original creator. Why then should they not offer their respectful obeisances unto You? You are the father of this complete cosmic manifestation, of the moving and the nonmoving. You are its worshippable chief, the supreme spiritual master." (Bg. 11.37, 11.43).

In other words, it is not essential for a sadhaka, or spiritual aspirant, to search for a guru. Considering the advice of Sri Guru Stotra to see Lord Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the Universal Guru (vasudevam sutam devam, kamsa-chanura mardanam; devaki-paramanandam krishnam, vande jagad-gurum"), a sadhaka should look to Bhagavan Sri Krishna as his Guru and the Bhagavad-gita as the Lord's mantra and divine message. (Click here for the full article)

Information Needed On Recently Departed Balarama Dasa

by Stritama dasi
Posted November 6, 2009

I am writing this article to not only inform the devotees of the passing away of Balarama dasa ACBSP disciple from Detroit Michigan here in Hawaii about a month ago, but to inquire if anyone has knowledge of his family and any contact information.

I received a call from the County Coroner's office stating that he had passed away and they called us since he had an ISKCON Honolulu card in his wallet. They were hoping we had information about his family in Detroit so that they could claim the body. I was not told what he died of, but I was told his body would be sent to a funeral home and cremated and that only his family could claim his ashes. (Click here for the full article)

Dolls Wanted

by Dvija Priya dasi
Posted November 6, 2009

Please help us find these dolls!

These cute dolls were beautifully hand crafted by Linda Swapp some years ago in the Seattle area. We would like to order a few sets. If anyone knows how to contact Linda please write me at (Click here for the full article)

Care for Cows Newsletter

by Kurma Rupa das
Posted November 6, 2009

The November 2009 issue of our Care for Cows Newsletter has been posted. Please review it at your earliest convenience.

(careforcows.org/downloads/newsletters_0).

In this edition of 30 pages (2.5 MB) we present reports on:

1. The rescue of a cow who fractured her pelvis on the Parikrama Path.

2. The Govardhana Puja and Gopastami festivals held at CFC. This year we had the largest turn-out of guests in our history. An 18-page spread demonstrates how Go Seva is spreading like an epidemic.

3. The seven new arrivals we took in this month. (Click here for the full article)

KC Items for Sale

by Radhanatha dasa
Posted November 5, 2009

Selling Krishna Conscious items in one lot . Includes DVDs, CDs, Deities and Murtis, Books, Mrdanga Drum, Aroti set, Maha Mantra Banner, Plaque, and MUCH more. All items for one low price of $485. Buyer must pick-up at location between Gainesville and Ocala, Florida. Look at it at: www.aumashram.net/ email us at: (Click here for the full article)

A Million Pilgrims to Visit ISKCON's Camp at Kumbha Mela 2010

Submitted by Ramesh Kallidai, Communications Director of Kumbha Mela 2010
Posted November 5, 2009

Over a million pilgrims are expected to visit the sprawling ISKCON camp at Kumbha Mela 2010 in the holy city of Haridwar in India between February and April 2010, which will coincide with the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Lord Chaitanya's acceptance of sannyasa. Kumbha Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world attracting over 75 million pilgrims who bathe in sacred waters to 'cleanse their sins'. Hundreds of religious organisations set up camps at the site of the Kumbha Mela to preach to the pilgrims who stay there for a few days. It is an incredible feat of human logistics and planning led by the Indian Government, which sets up temporary infrastructure for the visiting millions including pantaloon bridges, toilets, medical camps, public announcement systems, food and water arrangements, crowd control and security.

"ISKCON will have one of the largest camps at the Kumbha Mela site," (Click here for the full article)

Online Courses

by Premabhakti das
Posted November 5, 2009

A complete online Bhagavad-Gita As It Is and Science of Self realization course, presented by the grand disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. The first batch of the online course commence on Nov 1st, 2009.

www.bhagavadgitaonline.org

19 Complete Lessons

· Chapter 1 - Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra

· Chapter 2 - Contents of the Gita Summarized Part 1 (Click here for the full article)

Govardhan Puja Video On YouTube

by Ramanuja Dasa
Posted November 4, 2009

Please check out our Govardhan Puja Kirtan on youtube

It's from the Jalandhar, Punjab Temple

Pefect Bhakti Yoga Retreat Land With Dome Building

by Karunamayi dasi
Posted November 4, 2009

Situated at the foot of the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains, ideally located between Limoux and Carcassonne, just 15 minutes from the international Airport is a beautiful ShaktyDome, 200 Meters, 15 meters in diameter and 11 meters high. On the land, which is 1/2 a hectare (approximately 1.25 acres) large, you'll find a large organic garden, coupled with a stream, pond and waterfall. There is enough open space inside the dome to create an amazing 10 room Bhakti Yoga retreat and temple for the pleasure of Guru and Gauranga. 20 meteres adjacent to the large dome are 2 small guest domes. (Click here for the full article)

House Near Gita Nagari for Sale

Submitted by Devadeva Mirel
Posted November 4, 2009

Our historic 1834 home, situated 1.1 mile (1.8 km) from the Gita Nagari farm road, is still for sale, now at the reduced price of $165,000. Please write or call for more details. We can be reached by telephone (386-418-3898) or e-mail (Click here for the full article)

Devotee Disclaims Article Authorship

by Tattva das (Taran Singh)
Posted November 3, 2009

Re: the article written about New Vrndavan and gas drilling by "Tattva das."

I would like to clarify any assumptions that I have written that. I would like the readers and New Vrindavan residents to know that I knew nothing of that article until I returned from my vacation on October 29 of this year.

Whoever posted that has either tried to use my name or is another person who happens to have the same name as I do. Either way, it has nothing to do with me.

Fraudulent Use of ISCOWP

by Balabhadra das, President of ISCOWP, ISKCON Minister for Cow Protection and Agriculture
Posted November 3, 2009

It has come to our attention that there is fraudulent use of our legal incorporation name International Society for Cow Protection and its acronym ISCOWP. The international Society for Cow Protection was incorporated in 1990, the name ISCOWP and the ISCOWP logo, which can be seen in this announcement, are legally registered service marks of the International Society for Cow Protection.

We have not given permission to use these names to anyone for promoting any activity other than our own. We applaud and assist whenever possible anyone's activities in the pursuit of cow protection but will not be legally responsible for activities of any kind by persons or organizations using these names for their own activities.

Experienced Care-Giver Needed

by Subhra dd
Posted November 3, 2009

I have an available position for a experienced care-giver in Connecticut starting by December 1st. You would be taking care of my disabled 89 year old uncle. The duties would included personal care for him, also cooking and some cleaning. I will pay $2000. a month plus food and a private room. I would prefer a male devotee or a vegetarian male. I may consider a marriage couple or a single woman. If you are interested, please contact me at (Click here for the full article)

New Vrindaban Hosts Famous Suriname Doctor

by Bhaktin Rita
Posted November 2, 2009

On October 28, New Vrindaban Community in West Viriginia, USA, hosted the world's most famous bush doctor. Dr. Landveld manufactures natural medicines from plants, roots, tree barks, carrots, fruit and lianas from the Amazonian rainforest of Suriname. Suriname, which is bordered by Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana, hosts one of the Earth's last remaining virgin rain forests.

What is unique about Dr. Landveld's work is the fact that he is producing the medicines in compliance with international safety standards. All his remedies are tested and proven through modern scientific research. The international community is taking note. In 2006, he received the prestigious Case in Point Platinum Category Award in Paris, France. (Click here for the full article)

Business Opportunity

by Sachimata devi dasi
Posted November 2, 2009

I would like to advertise an opportunity for devotees that would like to live in the New Vrindaban area, but need a way to make income while being a part of the community. Aso some of our seasonal visitors may see this as both a financial opportunity and an inspiration to visit New Vrindaban more often.

Anyway, I have three buildings available for purchase. One building is a four-unit building, three of the units are completed refurbished, and are ready to live in, or to rent out right now. The fourth unit still needs some work. There is a large garage on the property, and a nice, grassy backyard.

The next property is a nice house, which can either be used as a one-family unit, or a two family unit. (Click here for the full article)

Deity Outfit Help Needed

by Bhakta Patel
Posted November 2, 2009

We are looking for someone who can make deity outfits for us in the UK. We have deities which need to be measured and tailor made outfits made for them in the UK.

We would also like the devotee who will provide us with this service, to be able to provide us with a blue print, from which we can then get more outfits, ornaments and crowns made in the future.

Please contact me at (Click here for the full article)

In the News:

ISKCON GBC Representatives Meet With B.V. Narayana Maharaja
by ISKCON News Service on 25 Oct 2009
Posted November 1, 2009

A Joint Statement of: The BHAKTI Trust Public Affairs Office and the ISKCON Communications Ministry

October 24, 2009,

Vrindavana, India - On October 17, five representatives of Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founder-acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, forming an official delegation, met with Srila B.V. Narayana Maharaja, founder-acarya of the BHAKTI Trust Mission, near the pilgrimage site of Govardhana Hill, just a few miles from Vrindavana, India. The meeting, which had been planned for several months, was held at Narayana Maharaja's Sri Sri Gauranga Radha Giridhari temple at Giridhari Gaudiya Math.

The ISKCON leaders in attendance were His Holiness Gopal Krishna Maharaja, His Holiness Lokanath Maharaja, Ravindra Svarupa dasa, Badrinarayan dasa, and Anuttama dasa. Besides Narayana Maharaja himself, BHAKTI Trust leaders present were Sripad B.V. Madhava Maharaja, Brajanath dasa and Jalakara dasa. The meeting lasted for more than thirty minutes. It was described by both sides as "respectful and cordial." (Click here for the full article)

Eulogy for Rajgana Das

by Yasomatinandana Das, Sydney
Posted November 1, 2009

It is around this time of year that we remember the day our spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, left our vision to enter the eternal realm of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna in the spiritual sky. At this auspicious time I would also like to reflect on one of Srila Prabhupada's earliest disciples in Australia, Sriman Rajgana Das, who has recently passed away. Rajgana prabhu was a very nice and simple hearted devotee who greatly influenced myself and many others to join the temple. Although it is unfortunate that he is no longer with us, it is fortunate in another way that he is now with Srila Prabhupada in spirit due to his being so devoted and surrendered to him from the very early days of the Hare Krishna movement in Australia. In past years we have heard how Srila Prabhupada promised us that we are all assured of going back home, back to Godhead due to engaging in the sankirtana movement of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. (Click here for the full article)

New Orleans Ratha Yatra Invitation

by Ramakant das
Posted November 1, 2009

We are pleased to announce that ISKCON New Orleans is celebrating its Ratha Yatra Festival of Chariots.

We humbly request devotees to join us in this grand festival.

The Festival Of India will also be joining us. We have many booths for devotees to display their KC items. If any devotee/s would like to book a booth/s, please contact us.

We are also in need of a KC play for our main stage,interested devotee/s please contact us. We will be providing free accomadation and prasadam for all visiting devotees.

We need volunteers to help us in organising the parade, and to assist in the prasadam booth and preaching booth. (Click here for the full article)

BTG Back Issues for Sale

by Elle Mitchell
Posted October 27, 2009

I would like to pass on these duplicate issues that I've acquired while collecting BTG magazines. There is cover wear and yellowing commensurate with age but all are clean, intact, and will make excellent reading copies. I am only selling these as a set and will not split out individual copies.

Vol. 14 (1979): 2/3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12
Vol. 18 (1983): 12
Vol. 19 (1984): 7
Vol. 20 (1985): 6, 7, 9, 10, 11
Vol. 21 (1986): 2-3, 6, 7, 8, 10
Vol. 24 (1989): 1-2, 4
1991: Jan/Feb, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec
1992: May/Jun, Sep/Oct
1993: Mar/Apr
2006: Jul/Aug

(Click here for the full article)

Govardhana Puja in Ludhiana

by Bhakta Kaplish
Posted October 27, 2009

Govardhana Puja and Annakoot festival was celebrated in Sri Sri Jagannath Temple, run by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) with great devotion and dedication. A replica of Goverdhan Hill was created and was circumambulated by the devotees, thus remembering the Goverdhan pastime of Lord Krishna. A feast of over 108 items was offered to Krishna (AnnaKoot). There was grand Aarti of their Lordships. The edible Goverdhan was distributed amongst the congregation. (Click here for the full article)

Gita Nagari News

by Ortrun Gates
Posted October 27, 2009

The newest edition of Damodara Rati and AaC News is now available. It has been a very busy and productive summer as you will learn on perusing the newsletter. Please click the link below.

Click Here

Do We Transcend Varnashrama?

by Niscala dasi
Posted October 26, 2009

Interesting things have happened to me since presenting my book Varnashrama, the Eight-petalled Lotus. I entered a varnashrama discussion forum, a group of devotees obviously very keen on introducing varnashrama within our movement. However, only a portion of Srila Prabhupada's instructions on the matter was being presented — specifically the portion in which he stressed that even within a varnashrama structure, we are all Vaishnavas, and that we are only playing the part of sudras, vaisyas and so on to set a precedent for general society to follow. After all, since we are Vaishnavas, we are transcendental to varnashrama.

In another conversation, however, Srila Prabhupada offers a very different viewpoint, citing a Caitanya-Caritamrta verse: "It is the living entity's constitutional position to be an eternal servant of Krishna" (C.C., Madhya 20.108). Prabhupada declared (Click here for the full article)

Triumphant Homecoming Rathayatra

by Dvija-priya dasi
Posted October 26, 2009

Here in Florida we are blessed with the opportunity to experience Lord Jagannatha's Rathayatra in more cities than anywhere else in North America. It comes as no surprise, then, that the last in a line of ecstatic festivals turned out to be, by all accounts, unrivaled. For our Gainesville Rathayatra, held on Friday, October 16 as part of the University of Florida's Homecoming Parade, we took full advantage of a captive audience of tens of thousands lining University Avenue. Devotees loudly chanted, danced, waved and smiled their way past onlookers, giving everyone the chance to hear the Holy Name and to see Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra. (Click here for the full article)

Mayapur Street Band Releases Harinam CD

by Ila devi dasi
Posted October 26, 2009

The first exhilarating "Heart and Soul" musical album by the Mayapur Harinam party is now out, led by the ever-popular Shastra das. A mix of punchy kirtans and irresistible dancing tunes, it is the first of its kind in ISKCON — a musical whirlwind and an ecstasy booster.

Taking his cue from the classic harinam masters of the past, and mixing in some lively African beats, this combination gets you on your feet immediately with its energy, catchy accordion bass lines and soul expressions of love for the Divine, our most beloved Sri Sri Radha Krishna. Adding a few electric tones here and there, this CD will take you on a musical and spiritual journey through the streets of Mayapur.

For a sample track, visit http://www.mayapurharinam.com. To order CDs, contact (Click here for the full article)

In the News:

ISKCON Philippines Food for Life Feeds Typhoon Ondoy Victims
by Madhava Smullen, ISKCON News Weekly
Posted October 25, 2009

ISKCON's Food For Life program in the Philippines is assisting with relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy, which has left more than 300 people dead and nearly 400,000 affected.

The tropical storm, which hit the Northern Luzon region of the Philippines on Saturday September 26, caused some of the worst floods the country has ever seen.

ISKCON's Sri Sri Radha-Madhava Mandir in Makati City was not spared, with water levels reaching the pictures of Vaishnava gurus on Radha-Madhava's altar. (Click here for the full article)

Wanted: Vrindavan Flat

by Sumant
Posted October 25, 2009

Looking for a 1 or 2 BR flat in Vrindavan to rent starting mid-December 2009, with an annually renewable contract.

Please contact me with photos and other details at (Click here for the full article)

Srila Prabhupada Mural

by Avril Heffernan
Posted October 25, 2009

Thank you for assisting me by placing my announcement that I was looking for a picture of Srila Prabhupada as a youth.

I am painting a mural for the teenage boys at my work which depicts several prominent male figures who have made contributions to the world through work in their respective fields and their outreach to humanity, often in spite of overwhelming odds. Each section shows what the person looked like as a boy and then a man, with an added piece representing his contribution. The bottom reads, "Every boy is a great man in the making." I wanted very much to include Srila Prabhupada, as I feel his mere image will touch the hearts of these troubled kids and start them on a pathway back to Krishna. A wonderful devotee was able to provide me with a photo of Srila Prabhupada which I have incorporated into the mural. (Click here for the full article)